The Best Daycare Centers in Owings Mills, MD
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Owings Mills. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Owings Mills
Kiddie Academy of Owings Mills
Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care
Kiddie Academy of Owings Mills provides comprehensive educational childcare through their Life Essentials® curriculum that focuses on character development, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning. The center features state-licensed teachers with early childhood education credentials, secure keypad entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Their program includes daily communication with parents through an app, nutritious meals and snacks, and dedicated play areas for different age groups. The academy emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and maintains low student-to-teacher ratios to ensure individualized attention.
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The Goddard School of Reisterstown
Goddard Systems, Inc.
Located just minutes from Owings Mills, The Goddard School of Reisterstown offers a play-based learning approach through their F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program. The school features highly qualified teachers with degrees in early childhood education, secure entry systems, and modern classroom technology. Their curriculum emphasizes literacy development, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on activities. The facility includes age-appropriate playgrounds, enrichment programs in music and art, and regular developmental assessments. Parents appreciate the school's strong communication and focus on preparing children for elementary school.
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Celebree School of Pikesville
Celebree Learning Centers
Celebree School of Pikesville serves the Owings Mills area with their unique "Seven Domains of Learning" curriculum that addresses cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. The center features Maryland-certified teachers, comprehensive security systems including surveillance cameras, and structured learning environments. Their program includes character education, technology integration, and hands-on learning experiences. The school offers nutritious meals, regular parent-teacher conferences, and enrichment activities in music and movement. Their before and after school program provides transportation to local elementary schools and homework assistance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Owings Mills, MD
What is the average cost of full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Owings Mills, MD?
In Owings Mills, the average cost for full-time, center-based infant care typically ranges from $1,400 to $1,800 per month. For toddlers, the cost is slightly lower, averaging between $1,200 and $1,600 per month. These rates can vary based on the center's amenities, curriculum (e.g., Montessori, faith-based), and staff-to-child ratios. In-home family daycare providers may offer more affordable options, often $200-$400 less per month. It's important to note that Maryland offers financial assistance programs like the Child Care Scholarship (CCS) for eligible families, which can significantly offset these costs. Many centers in Owings Mills also have annual registration or supply fees, so be sure to ask for a full breakdown of all costs.
How do I verify a daycare is properly licensed and what specific regulations should I look for in Maryland?
All licensed childcare providers in Owings Mills must be regulated by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Office of Child Care. You can verify a provider's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history for free on the MSDE's "Check Child Care" website or by calling (877) 261-0060. Key Maryland regulations to inquire about include staff-to-child ratios (e.g., 1:3 for infants, 1:6 for 2-year-olds), mandatory background checks for all staff, and required annual training in health, safety, and development. Licensed centers and homes in Maryland are also required to follow the state's rigorous "Credentials for Child Care Providers" program, which sets standards for director and teacher qualifications.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Owings Mills, and how far in advance should I start looking?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-regarded daycare centers in Owings Mills, especially for infant rooms. It is strongly recommended that expecting parents begin their search and get on waitlists during the second trimester of pregnancy, or at least 6-9 months before their desired start date. Popular centers near major employers like the Owings Mills Corporate Campus, or those with specific educational approaches, often have the longest waits. When touring, always ask about the current waitlist length, if there's a fee to be on it, and how often they update families on their position. Exploring a mix of centers and licensed family childcare homes can increase your options and potentially shorten your wait.
What are some of the key differences between the larger daycare centers and in-home family childcare options available in Owings Mills?
Owings Mills offers both types, each with distinct advantages. Larger centers (often part of chains or located in commercial areas) typically provide structured curricula, multiple classrooms by age, and larger facilities with dedicated playgrounds. They may have more staff, offering consistency if one teacher is absent. In-home family childcare, regulated as "Family Child Care Homes" by MSDE, operates in a provider's residence, often in residential neighborhoods. They offer a home-like environment, mixed-age groups (which can be great for siblings), more flexible hours, and potentially lower costs. The decision often comes down to your child's temperament, your need for schedule flexibility, and your preference for a specific learning environment. Be sure any home provider is licensed, which in Maryland allows them to care for up to 8 children.
Beyond basic care, what types of enrichment or specialized programs do daycare centers in Owings Mills commonly offer?
Many daycare centers in Owings Mills go beyond custodial care to offer enrichment programs that align with community interests. It's common to find centers with integrated Spanish language exposure, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) activities for preschoolers, and movement or yoga classes. Given the area's diverse community and proximity to cultural institutions in Baltimore, some centers incorporate multicultural learning. Outdoor play is emphasized, with many having nature-based learning components. Furthermore, several centers offer optional extracurriculars for an additional fee, such as soccer programs (like Soccer Shots), music classes, or dance. When touring, ask about their daily schedule to see how these enrichments are woven into the curriculum.
Nearby Cities
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